ISLAMABAD, Nov 28: The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) has called upon lawyers and bar associations throughout the country to observe protests on Thursday against the assumption of the office of president by Gen Pervez Musharraf and amendments made to the Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils Act, 1973.

The PBC has asked lawyers to observe a complete strike, hold protest meetings in bar premises and wear black armbands.

A press release issued by the council on Wednesday said lawyers held the view that Gen Musharraf was not qualified to hold the office of president because being in uniform was not eligible to contest the presidential poll.

Condemning the amendments made to the Legal Practitioners and Bar Council Act, 1973, the PBC said the legal fraternity would never compromise on the autonomy of bar councils and bar associations and would not accept curtailment of disciplinary powers of bar councils.